The Council adopted a 17th package of economic and individual restrictive designed to massively target Putin’s shadow fleet and weaken Russia’s military and industrial complex.

The Council prolonged the EU restrictive measures (sanctions) against cyber-attacks threatening the EU and its member states until 18 May 2026. The legal framework is extended until 18 May 2028.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/700 of 7 April 2025 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine.

Council approves conclusions assessing cohesion policy’s action for Ukrainian refugees in Europe.

The EU issued a statement on Ukraine calling for ceasefire.

European Council President António Costa participated in a special event at the European University Institute in Fiesole, Italy. In his keynote address on peace and security in Europe, he reaffirmed the European Union’s identity as a peace project, calling for stronger defense, strategic autonomy, and investment in competitiveness to confront today’s geopolitical challenges. He emphasized that peace must be actively defended and linked to economic strength, unity, and global partnerships.

The Council adopted two assistance measures worth €60 million under the European Peace Facility that will benefit the Moldovan Armed Forces.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Implementing Decision concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Belarus and the involvement of Belarus in the Russian aggression against Ukraine.

The European Union and Ukraine issued a joint press release following the 10^th meeting of the EU-Ukraine Association Council.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/528 of 14 March 2025 amending Decision 2014/145/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met via video conference with the leaders of Iceland, Norway, Türkiye and the United Kingdom following the European Council of 20 March 2025.

During the press conference held at the end of the European Council meeting of 20 March 2025, President António Costa presented the main results of the discussions.

On 20 March 2025, the European Council adopted conclusions on Ukraine, the Middle East, competitiveness, European defence and security, next multiannual financial framework and new own resources, migration, oceans, multilateralism and other items.

The European Council discussed the latest developments as regards Ukraine.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/437 of 28 February 2025 concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Ukraine.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/385 of 24 February 2025 amending Decision 2012/642/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Belarus and the involvement of Belarus in the Russian aggression against Ukraine.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) CFSP) 2025/338 concerning restrictive measures in response to the illegal recognition, occupation or annexation by the Russian Federation of certain non-government controlled areas of Ukraine.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/397 of 24 February 2025 concerning restrictive measures in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/396 concerning restrictive measures in response to the illegal recognition, occupation or annexation by the Russian Federation  of certain non-government controlled areas of Ukraine.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/394 of 24 February 2025 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine.